Mr Food Taco Pasta Salad
Get ready to wow your taste buds with Mr. Food Taco Pasta Salad—a zesty fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and classic pasta salad! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a casual family dinner, this recipe combines tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, and juicy cherry tomatoes for a hearty base. Tossed with a creamy ranch-salsa dressing and topped with sharp cheddar cheese, black olives, and crunchy green onions, every bite is bursting with flavor. For an extra festive touch, garnish with crushed tortilla chips for the ultimate crunch. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes and served chilled, this crowd-pleasing pasta salad is as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 0.25 cup water
- 15 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 oz canned corn, drained
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.33 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 0.5 cup salsa
- 0.25 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3
Stir the taco seasoning mix and 1/4 cup of water into the cooked beef. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until well combined and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and black olives.
Step 5
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and salsa to create the dressing.
Step 6
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 7
Sprinkle with sliced green onions for added freshness.
Step 8
If desired, garnish with crushed tortilla chips just before serving for added crunch.
Step 9
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 2661.4 grams (2661.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4390 |
| Total Fat 196.00g | 251% |
| Saturated Fat 56.80g | 284% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g | |
| Cholesterol 481mg | 160% |
| Sodium 7224mg | 314% |
| Total Carbohydrate 478.10g | 174% |
| Dietary Fiber 53.80g | 192% |
| Total Sugars 50.20g | |
| Protein 217.00g | 434% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1341mg | 103% |
| Iron 28mg | 158% |
| Potassium 3505mg | 75% |
Source of Calories